How to Decorate a Nursery in Themes

Enhance your baby's nursery with themed decor.

Prepare for your newborn's arrival by decorating her nursery with a charming theme. Deciding on a theme prior to decorating the nursery will make it easier to choose colors and create a coordinated look. If you don't know your baby's gender, decorate the nursery with a theme that will work for both girls and boys. Use pastel hues, whimsical, baby-friendly designs and soft fabrics to create a one-of-a-kind nursery for your newborn.

Things You'll Need

• Wall paint
• Crib bedding
• Themed textiles and decor items, such as rugs, curtains and lamps

Instructions

1. Select a nursery theme based on a particular design (such as hearts or clouds), a nursery rhyme, destination or a cartoon character. Choose a theme that will be appealing to the child as she grows for a few years.

2. Paint the walls a color that coordinates with the theme, such as sky blue for a cloud-inspired theme or honey brown or yellow for a Winnie-the-Pooh-inspired space. Choose neutral-colored paint when possible to avoid having to repaint the room as the child grows.

3. Purchase crib bedding to coordinate with the nursery theme and create a cohesive look. For example, if you have selected a jungle theme, a crib set featuring palm trees, monkeys and tropical parrot designs would fit in well. Alternatively, zoo-inspired bedding featuring lion, tiger, giraffe and elephant patterns is another option.

4. Use themed textiles to decorate the room. Place tropical fish-shaped rugs on hardwood or tile floors in a nursery featuring an ocean life theme, or hang curtains featuring vintage airplane, car and train designs to complement a transportation-inspired look. Add comfort and a touch of whimsy to a rocking chair with a cushion displaying ladybug designs for a garden-themed room. Invest in textiles made from high-quality, stain-resistant fabrics to avoid having to replace them too often.

5. Enhance the nursery with coordinating decor items that will stimulate the baby's senses. Place a complementarily themed lamp, such as one featuring a lovebird-patterned ceramic base and a pastel pink shade, on a dresser or hang a mobile displaying celestial-themed sun, moon and star shapes above the crib.

References

• She Knows Pregnancy and Baby: Winnie-the-Pooh Nursery
• Decorating Your Baby Nursery: Decorating a Cloud Theme Nursery